How does the England Men’s Central Contract system work?
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are responsible for the England Men’s Central Contract system and have developed it in consultation with Team England Player Partnership (TEPP), which is the body that represents the England Men’s players. The system aims to fairly reward all of those who represent England Men in different formats during a Contract year.
Under the system, the norm is for the selectors to recommend the award of 11 Central Contracts for both Test and White Ball cricket. The system provides scope for minor variations on the number of Test and White Ball Central Contracts that are awarded in a particular year.
Recipients of Test and White Ball Central Contracts have their salaries paid in full by the ECB.
How are the England Men’s Central Contracts decided?
Under the structure, players in both formats receive a ‘ranking’ based on their performances on the pitch, as well as a number of other factors, including off-field contribution, fielding and fitness.
Those rankings then correlate with the level of remuneration.
What does this mean for Test specialists?
Test match players will continue to be rewarded significantly higher in terms of remuneration compared to White Ball players. This reflects the commitment that is required to play International Test cricket.
The system continues to be a fair reflection of the time and effort required by different formats in an effort to maintain fair and balanced rewards for Test and White ball cricket.
Can players still be awarded Increment Contracts?
There is provision in place for the selectors to award a limited number of Increment Contracts to those who are not otherwise Centrally Contracted throughout the Contract year. For the contract year commencing October 1 2020, four players are in receipt of Increment Contracts: Dom Bess (Somerset), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire) and Jack Leach (Somerset)
What is the value of the contracts?
The ECB does not disclose the contract figures, or the rankings achieved by the players. In light of the impact of COVID-19 on the finances of the game, the Team England Player Partnership, on behalf of the players, and the ECB are currently finalising the levels of player remuneration for the next 12 months. A further statement will be made once these discussions have concluded.
What is the duration of contracts?
The contracts are awarded on a 12-month term commencing 1 October 2020.
